All About the GED: Georgia

Georgia adults who don't have a high school diploma can earn a high school equivalency credential by taking the General Educational Development (GED) exams. Read on to learn more about how to take the GED in Georgia and what this credential can do for you.

What is the GED?

The GED is a series of tests that measure the skills and knowledge typically acquired during high school study. The exam offers an alternative to adults over the age of 16 who have not earned a diploma and aren't currently enrolled in high school. Successful completion of the GED exam in the state of Georgia results in the award of the Georgia GED diploma.

Eligibility

Individuals do not need to be a state resident to take the GED exam in Georgia. However, adults between the ages of 16 and 19 must enroll in a state-approved adult education program and receive approval to test.

Test Format

Overall, the tests take about seven and a half hours to complete. Students can expect to see reading tasks, multiple choice questions and essay questions.

What Can I Do With the GED?

If you didn't finish high school, the GED diploma can open up many opportunities for career advancement and postsecondary study. According to the GED Testing Service, 97% of U.S. colleges and universities and employers recognize the credential.

Preparing for the Test

According to the GED Testing Service, the current test has the same difficulty level as the level required to pass high school. Therefore, it is important to take test preparation seriously, although the state of Georgia does not require test takers to show proof of instruction.

GED prep courses are offered at adult basic education centers across the state of Georgia. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers information on finding the courses nearest to you (www.tcsg.edu).

Self-learners can purchase GED study books or other materials, as well as find free practice tests and sample exam questions online. The GED Testing Service offers a variety of web-based study options.

Taking the Test

In the state of Georgia, the testing fee is set at $40 for each subject-area test. While the GED is not offered online, there are 37 testing centers located throughout the state, which can be found through the TCSG website.

In order to pass the entire exam, test takers must achieve a minimum standard score of 150 on each subject area. Individuals who fail one of the subject area tests are able to retake the test two times without a waiting period between retakes. After the third attempt, there is a 60-day waiting period to retake the GED test. The fee in Georgia to retake the test is $20 (if taken within 12 calendar months) for the first two retakes. Additional retakes will cost $40 for each subject-area test.